The celebrity-gossip outlet TMZ has been publishing paparazzi-style photos of lawmakers on break from Washington during the record-long partial government shutdown, which has resulted in a backlash and millions of views. The tabloid website has posted videos and photos showing lawmakers in airports, Las Vegas, and Disney World, raising pressure on Congress to cut short its scheduled recess. President Donald Trump has also urged Congress to return, suggesting he may use his rarely invoked powers to call Congress into session. However, it is unclear what this would accomplish due to the ongoing 45-day partial shutdown. The Senate reached a bipartisan funding deal last week, but House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected it and House Republicans passed their own version. The backlash is also playing out online, with unions adding that the shutdown shows a lack of respect for essential employees.